Food press

ABSTRACT

A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat and the like, in a tubular die aperture or cavity of uniform cross section by a ram reciprocable therein and connected to the piston rod of a cylinder and piston-type fluid actuator constructed so that the portion of the piston rod that extends into the die aperture is not retracted into the cylinder of the fluid actuator. The die aperture is formed by a channel-shaped stationary die means carried by a plate-like support detachably connected to and exclusively carried by a cabinet-type base, and a channel-shaped movable die means at least partially receivable, when the die means are closed, in the stationary die means, each die means being preferably shaped or oriented to maximize opposed forming or pressing areas. The movable die means is guided by the support for the stationary die means and is moved by a toggle link mechanism and a cylinder and piston-type fluid actuator located below the support for the stationary die means. A supplementary guide means is provided below the support for the stationary die means to assist the support for the stationary die means in guiding the movable die means. Travel or movement of the movable die means into the stationary die means is limited to prevent engagement of the die means at the periphery of the die cavities therein. Clearance is provided between the die means for the escape of air entrapped in the die aperture when a product is compressed therein.

United States Patent Bettcher [54] FOOD PRESS Louis A. Bettcher,Amherst, Ohio [73] Assignee: Bettcher Industries, Inc., Birmingham, Ohio[22] Filed: 'Aug. 27, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 67,482

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No.878,439, Nov.

[72] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl ..100/232, 100/269 R, l00/272, IOO/DIG. 10 [51] Int. Cl...B30b'7/04 [58] Field of Search ..100/42, 218, 232, 26 9, 295, IOO/DIG.10, 272, 286, 214, 269 R; 18/16 M, 16.5; 99/349 [151 3,683,797 [4 1 Aug.15, 1972 Primary ExamineF-Billy J. Wilhite Attorney-Watts, Hoffmann,Fisher and I-Ieinke [57] ABSTRACT A press for shaping comestibleproducts, such as meat and the like, in a tubular die aperture or cavityof uniform cross section by a ram reciprocable therein and connected tothe piston rod of a cylinder and piston-type fluid actuator constructedso that the portion of the piston rod that extends into the die apertureis not retracted into the cylinder of the fluid actuator. The dieaperture is formed by a channelshaped stationary die means carried by aplate-like support detachably connected to and exclusively carried by acabinet-type base, and a channel-shaped movable die means at leastpartially receivable, when the die means are closed, in the stationarydie means, each die means being preferably shaped or oriented tomaximize opposed forming or pressing areas. The movable die means isguided by the support for the stationary die means and is moved by atoggle link mechanism and a cylinder and piston-type fluid actuatorlocated below the support for the stationary die means. A supplementaryguide means is provided below the support for the stationary die meansto assist the support for the stationary die means in guiding themovable die means. Travel or movement of the movable die means into thestationary die means is limited to prevent engagement of the die meansat the periphery of the die cavities therein. Clearance is providedbetween the die means for the escape of air entrapped in the dieaperture when a product is compressed therein.

6 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAUB15I972 3.683; 79 7 sum 1 or 5INVENTOR. LOUiS A. BETTCHER INVENTOR.

LOUIS ABETTCHEIZ BY Wm, l 3M ATTORNEYS.

SHEET 3 BF 3 PATENTEDAUG 15 m2 FIGS 1 7 FOOD PRESS RELATED CASES FIELDOF INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus for compressing andshaping comestible products.

PRIOR ART Food products, especially meat products, such as ground meat,steaks, knuckles and the like, are often pressed into blocks or loavesof desired density and shape, typically while frozen or semi-frozen, forsubsequent slicing into pieces of generally uniform size, shape andweight. Presses for this purpose have utilized relatively movableopposed die members constructed to form a tight tubular aperture whenabutted in faceto-face relationship within which the product iscompressed by a reciprocable ram. Such prior art devices, however, havenot been entirely satisfactory. In many instances the die members didnot close properly, the ram operating mechanism tended to contaminatethe product being compressed, voids were left in the compressed product,etc.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention providesa novel and improvedfood press, particularly adapted for the pressing ofcomestible'products, especially meat and the like, into predeterminedform, which press comprises relatively movable diemeans which whenclosed form a die aperture orcavity within which a ram is reciprocatedto compress a product therein. The relative movement between the diemembers is effected by a toggle linkage mechanism which assures theclosing of the die members to a predetermined position. The die membersare so constructed that there are no abutting planar areas at theperipheryof the die cavities and that there is clearance for the escapeof air entrapped in the die aperture during pressing of a producttherein by movement of the ram.

The invention also provides a'novel and improved food press,particularly adapted for the pressing of comestible products, especiallymeat and the like, into predetermined form, comprising relativelymovable die means which when closed form an elongated-die aperture orcavity within which a ram is reciprocated to compress a product therein,and in which the stationary die means is supported on a plate-likemember on a cabinet base, the movable die member is carried by a memberextending through the plate-like member and actuated by toggle linkagemechanism at the side of the plate-like member opposite the die meansand further guided by a guide member at the toggle mechanism side of theplate-like member.

The invention further provides a novel and improved food press,particularly adapted for the pressing of comestible products, especiallymeat and the like, into predetermined form, which press comprisesrelatively movable die means which when closed form a die aperture orcavity within which a ram is reciprocated to compress a product thereinand a cabinet-type base provided with a removable platelike coverwherein the die means, ram and operating mechanism therefore arexclusively carried by the removable cover.

The invention will be better understood and further advantages, as wellas objects, thereof will become apparent from the accompanying drawingsand the ensuing description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is aplan view of a food pressembodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation with of the press shown in FIG. 3; 7

FIG. 3 is a sectional view approximately on the line 33 of FIG. 2; and

FIGS. 4 to 9 are transverse sectional views similar to a part of FIG. 3illustrating modified .die assemblies.

DESCRIPTION OF'PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The preferred apparatus embodyingthe invention is a food press, designated generally as A, comprising twodie means or die assemblies, B, C, at least one of which is movabletoward and from the other by means includ ing toggle linkage mechanism Dwhich assures predetermined travel of the die means or members portionsbroken away toward and from one another. When the dies are closed theyform a tubular die aperture or cavity E of uniform cross section withinwhich the product being processed is compressed by a reciprocating ramF, All of the operating mechanism of the press is-carried by a plate 10detachably connected to and closing a frame or base which is in the formof a cabinet G enclosing the operating mechanism of the press. The plate10 and the operating mechanism can be readily removed as a unit from thecabinet to facilitate maintenance, etc. of the press.

The die means or assembly B is stationary and comprises a channel-shapeddie box 14 having a removable die insert 16 detachably connected theretoand pro vided with a die cavity 18 of uniform cross-sectional shapeextending from end to end. The cavity 18 is in the bottom of thechannel-shaped die assembly and in the side of the die insert farthestfrom the plate 10 and extends essentially the full width of the insertwith its peripheral side edges reaching to or essentially to orterminating at the lateral sides of the die insert and the planar sidesof the die box facing one another. The die box 14 is detachably securedto the outer side of the plate 10 of the press proper and comprises twoside plates 20, 22 fixed to a bottom plate 24, but may be made in onepiece, if desired. The die insert 16 is removably secured in the die boxin a suitable manner as by bolts, screws and/or dowel pins.

The die means or assembly C is movable and com prises a die or dieinsert 30 detachably connected to the side of a movable plate or platen34 facing the outer side of the plate 10. The member 30 has a die cavity36 in its side opposite the side connected in the platen 34. The cavity36 is of uniform crosssectional shape from end'to end of the insert andits peripheral side edges essentially extending to or terminating at thelateral sides of the member 30.

The platen 34 is connected to the ends of four rods or draw bars 40, 42,44, 46 projecting outwardly from the cabinet G through suitableapertures in the plate 10. The other ends of the draw bars 40, 42, 44,46 are connected to a platen 48 located within the cabinet or housing Gof the press and adapted to be reciprocatcd towards and from the plateto open and close the die assemblies by the toggle linkage mechanism D.The platen 48 is provided with a guide in the form of a bar 50projecting through a suitable aperture in the lefthand end of theplaten, as viewed in FIG. 2, and having its upper end fixedly secured inthe plate 10 and its lower end slidably received in an aperture in amember 52 fixed, as by welding, to the wall of the housing or cabinet Gopposite to the plate 10.

The toggle linkage mechanism D for reciprocating the platen 48 and inturn the movable die means C comprises two setsof toggle links connectedto the side of the platen 48 facing the plate 10 adjacent to oppositeends thereof, as viewed in FIG. 2, and to the adjacent side of the plate10. The first set of toggle links comprise two links having their oneends pivotally connected to opposite ends of a shaft 64 carried by apair of brackets 66, 68, fixedlysecured to the side of the table 10,facing the platen 48, as by bolts, welding, etc. The opposite ends ofthe links 60 are pivotally connectedto opposite ends of a shaft to whichshaft the one ends of the links 72 of the toggle mechanism are alsopivoted. The other ends of the links 72 are pivotally connected to ashaft 76 carried by brackets 80, 82 fixedly connected as by bolts,welding, etc., to the side of the platen48 facing the plate 10. The twoshafts 64, 76 are in the same plane normal to the outer surface of theplate 10 and parallel with the length of the rods or drawbars 40, 42.

The second or right-hand set of toggle links comprise two links 88,similar to the links 60 of the first set and like the links of the firstset, pivotally connected to opposite ends of a shaft 92 carried bybrackets fixedly connected to the side of the plate 10 facing the platen48. The other ends of the links 88 are pivotally connected to oppositeends of a shaft 98 to which shaft the one ends of a pair of links 100 ofthe second set of toggle links are also pivotally connected. The otherends of the links 100 are connected to a shaft 104 carried by bracketsfixedly connected to the side of the platen 48 facing the plate 10. Theshafts 92, 104 lie in the same plane normal to the outer surface of theplate 10 and parallel to the length of the rods or drawbars 44, 46.

The two sets of toggle links are connected together by links 110, 112opposite ends of which are pivotally connected to the shafts 70, 98. Thelinks 110, 112 are spaced from one another and from the other links onthe shafts 70, 98, by suitable spacers. The right-hand end of the linksand 112, as viewed in FIG. 2, extend a short distance to the right ofthe shaft 98 and are connected by a cross member to which is connectedthe left-hand end of a piston rod 126 of a reciprocating-type, doubleacting hydraulic actuator H, including the cylinder assembly 128. Theright-hand end of the cylinder assembly 128 of the hydraulic actuator His pivotally connected to a shaft 130 extending between oppositelyprojecting sides of a heavy metal channel member 132 which in turn isconnected to the underside of a heavy metal, rectangular, tubular member134, fixedly connected to the side of the plate 10 facing the interiorof the cabinet G. The piston rod of the actuator H is in line with theguide member 50 so that the thrust of the actuator is taken by the guidemember 50 rather than the draw bars which connect the members 34, 48.

The engagement of the platen 34 with the projecting sides 20, 22 of thedie box 14 of the stationary die assembly limit the travel of themovable die assembly in the direction to close the dies, and the togglelinkage mechanism D is so constructed that when the dies are closed thelinks thereof are at or approximately at dead center thus assuringclosing the dies to a predetermined relative position upon eachactuation of the press. Alternatively the toggle linkage mechanism canbe employed to limit or determine the extent that the dies close uponeach operation of the press with the movable die means being held out ofengagement with or slightly spaced from the stationary die means, ifdesired.

The aperture or cavity E formed by the dies or die assemblies, B, C,when the press is closed, is irregular in transverse cross-sectionalshape, has a major and -a minor dimension with the major dimensioninclined to the direction of movement of the movable die, and may besimilar to that of a commercially available meat product, for example, aslab of bacon, a ham, or a loin. The recesses or cavities l8 and 36, inthe respective die inserts blend with the adjacent side walls of the diebox, have opposed relatively flat portions inclined to the direction ofthe relative movement therebetween, and are oriented such that the longtransverse dimension is askew to the path of movement of the movable dieand such as to maximize the size of their openings: The forces appliedto a product being compressed is applied in two directions, one of whichis transversely of the direction of relative movement between the diemeans upon the closing of the press. Employing die means having largecavity openings is further advantageous if the product to be compressedis initially distorted so as to make its entrance into the die cavitiesdifficult, such as, being curved with reference to its length.

The die insert 36 is of slightly less width than the distance betweenthe side members 20, 22 of the die box 14 of the stationary die meanswith the result that a conduit or clearance is provided between the dieinsert 30 and the sides of the die box through which air, and the like,entrapped in a product being compacted or compressed can escape. Theclearance between the stationary and movable dies B, C, is preferablyvery small, only sufficient to provide an adequate path for escaped airand the like, but not large enough to allow product being compressed tobe forced therethrough. Clearances on the order of about 0.015 inch i.e.0.0075 inch per side, have been found satisfactory. The facing sides ofthe die inserts 16, 30, preferably do not touch one another at any placealthough the side edges thereof closely approach each other. This,together with the fact that the cavities 18 and 36 in the dies 16 and 30extend to, or substantially to, and blend into the sides of thestationary die avoids any possibility of the dies not properly closingbecause of the presence of product entrapped between opposed flat planarsurfaces about the periphery of the die cavities. When the die inserts16, 30 do not touch one another along their adjacent side edges portionsof the inner planar sides of the members 21), 22 of the die boxcooperate with the cavities 18, 36 to form the die aperture E. The dieinsert or member 30 is detachably connected to the platen 34 by machinescrews 136 and dowels 138. The dowels 138 are employed to assure properlocation of the member 30 equally between the sides of the die box.

The ram F, as previously mentioned, conforms to theaperture or cavity Ebetween the die means when the press is closed and is adapted to bereciprocated in the aperture E by a reciprocating-type, double actinghydraulic actuator J including a piston rod 140 to which the ram F isattached and a cylinder assembly 142. The cylinder assembly 142 issupported by a suitable bracket on the outer side of the plate and islocated a distance from the right-hand side of the fixed die means 8, adistance such that the portion of the piston rod 140 which moves withinthe cavity E is never retracted into the cylinder assembly 142 therebyavoiding possible contamination of products being com pressed bymaterial adhering to the piston rod 140 incident to its movement intoand out of the stuffing box at the left'hand end of the cylinderassembly. The stroke of the actuator J and the distance of the cylinderassembly 142 from the dies is preferably not less than the length of thedie aperture E, and such that the ram F can be used to eject acompressed product through the left-hand end of the lower die, ifdesired.

When the press is closed, the left-hand end of the aperture or cavity Eis closed by a plate 150 bolted or otherwise suitably fixed to theleft-hand end of the platen 34. The plate 150 projects over the end ofthe cavity E when the press is closed with its free end engaged betweenthe left-hand end of the fixed die sembly and a plate 152 bolted orotherwise suitably fixed to the left-hand end of the plate 10. The plate152 acts as a support or backup for the free end of the plate 150. Asmall clearance may be provided between the end of the die means, B, C,and the plate for the escape of air from the end'of the die aperture E,if necessary. Alternatively one or more small apertures extendingthrough the plate 150 may be provided. In order to prevent any possiblespreading of the upper ends of the side members 20, 22, of the die box,one or more abutment or stop members 154, 156 can be connected to theplaten 34 in a position such that they are adjacent to the outside sidesof the top of the die box when the press is closed. The inner uppercomers of the members 154, 156 are preferably broken or relieved asindicated at 158 to allow the escape of any product material that may beentrapped between the upper ends of the die box 14 and the platen 34.The apertures 158 preferably increase in cross section from about theirmidpoint to their ends.

Fluid pressure, preferably liquid, for operating the actuators H, J, canbe supplied in any convenient manner, such as, by the provision of amotor driven fluid pump within the cabinet G. The actuators arepreferably hydraulically-operated and the pressure liquid for operatingthe same is preferably obtained from a source outside of the cabinetconnected to supply and return conduits or fittings 160, 162 at theright-hand side of the cabinet which fittings are in turn connected toconduits 164, 166'connected to suitable three-way valves 170, 172, atthe near side of the cabinet, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2. The valvesI70, 172 are in turn connected to the actuators H, J, respectively, bysuitable lines or conduits. The conduits I74, 176, connecting valve 170with the actuator H, preferably comprises quick disconnect fittingsfixed to the member 132 so that when it is desired to remove the plate111 and the parts carried thereby the hydraulic lines to the valve 171)can be readily disconnected. 1

Similar quick disconnect fittings are employed in the lines 180, 182,connecting the valve 172 with the actuator .1 These fittings may becarried on the side of the plate 10 which faces the interior of thecabinet.

The stationary die assembly B, shown in the preferred embodiment,comprises the die box and the insert. This facilitates changing the diesas it is merely necessary, with the construction shown, to replace oneset of inserts by another set having desired different cavities therein.Handling of the die assemblies may be facilitated by attaching themovable dieinsert to a plate-like member adapted to rest upon the top ofor on an outwardly facing surface of the die box as illustrated in FIG.4, where a die insert in all essential respects similar to the die 30,is carried by a plate 190 which plate is in turn detachably connected tothe platen 34. The plate 190 is slightly wider than the die 30' and theprojecting edges extend into apertures in the projecting ends of theadjacent side walls of the die box 14. When the dieassembly C is soconstructed the die assemblies may be handled as a unit and be readilyinstalled in the press by first placing the stationary die assemblyadjacent to, or in the case of a vertical press, on the plate 10 andsecuring it thereto as by machine screws extending through the plate 10and having threaded engagement in suitably trapped holes in the crossplate 24 of the die box and, if desired, the insert 16. The movable diemeans or assembly C can thereafter be placed against or on thestationary die assembly B with the flanges provided by the projectingedges of the plate 191] engaging and/or resting upon the top of the diebox or ledges provided by apertures in the projecting ends of the sidewalls of the die box. With the platen 34 positioned closely adjacent tothe plate the movable die assembly can be readily attached to the platen34 by machine screws and dowels extending through the platen 34 andengaged in suitable apertures in the plate 190 and, if desired, theinsert 311'.

Die inserts of different size, such as, inserts 200, 202, shown in FIG.5 can be readily employed by using filler members, such as, the plates204, 206 in die box 14. When filler plates such as the plates 204, 206of FIG. 5 are employed in a die box of given size, it will be apparentthat die inserts will be of less width than the width of the die boxwithout the filler members and will form a smaller product aperture E-l.As a further alternative construction, dies having multiple productapertures E-2, E3 rather than the single aperture E, of the preferredembodiment, can be provided as illustrated in FIG. 6. This, however,usually requires a die box 210 of greater width than the die box shownin the preferred embodiment and one having a central partition, such asthe partition 212. Tlhe two sets of die inserts are designated 214, 216and 218, 220.

As a further suggested alternative construction, the die assembliesshown can be made integral or in one piece, as illustrated in FIG. 7,rather than consisting of two or more parts. In FIG. 7 the stationaryand movable die members are designated M, N, respectively, and theproduct aperture therebetween E4. The aperture [-4 is a duplicate of theaperture E and the product apertures El, E2, E-3 are generally similarto E, but smaller. It is also to be understood that the configuration ofthe product aperture may be of any desired shape. Suggested alternateshapes to that shown in the preferred embodiment are illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9. The aperture E-S, shown in FIG. 8, is essentially ovalwith the long axis thereof being inclined to the direction of movementof the movable die assembly and the aperture E6, shown in FIG. 9, isessentially cylindrical. The stationary and movable die inserts shown inFIG. 8 are designated 222, 224, respectively, and the corresponding dieinserts in FIG. 9, 226, 228. The other parts of the press shown aresimilar to the corresponding parts of the preferred embodiment and aredesignated by the same reference characters.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the objects and advantagesheretofore enumerated have been accomplished and that there has beenprovided a novel and improved press of the character described forcompressing comestible products which is simple in construction,reliable in operation and which will produce a product of predeterminedshape and density without contamination of the product by engagementwith parts of the press liable to contain oil or other undesirableproduct contaminating material.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described inconsiderable detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the particular construction shown and referred to and it isthe intention to hereby cover all adaptations and modifications thereofwhich come within the practice of those skilled in the art to which theinvention relates and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

l. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat-or the likehaving: a cabinet-like base; a stationary die support exclusivelycarried by and detachably connected to said base; a channel-shaped firstdie exclusively carried by said stationary die support and having anelongated cavity of the same cross-sectional shape throughout its lengthin the side thereof opposite to said support and open at at least oneend; a movable die support exclusively carried by said stationary diesupport; a second die exclusively carried by said movable die supportand having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die havinga second elongated cavity of the same cross-sectional shape throughoutits length; a ram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of saidtubular aperture formed by said first and second dies when closed; fluidpressure actuated mechanism exclusively carried by said stationary diesupport for reciprocating said ram; and means for detachably connectingsaid fluid pressure actuated mechanisms to and from a source of fluidpressure.

2. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the likehaving: a stationary die support; a first die connected to saidstationary support and having a channel in one side thereof and a cavityof uniform cross-sectional shape in the bottom of the channel openinginto one end of said die and extending the full width of the bottom ofthe channel; a movable die support; a second die connected to saidmovable die support and having a portion receivable in the channel ofsaid first die with a small clearance thereabout and having a secondcavity of uniform cross-sectional shape in the side thereof opposite tosaid one side of said first die and extending the full width thereof;toggle mechanism for moving said second die to and from a positionadjacent to said first die and in which said cavities in said dies forma tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a ram conforming tothe crosssectional shape of said aperture formed by said first andsecond dies when closed; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.

3. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the likehaving: a plate-like stationary die support; a channel-shaped first dieconnected to one side of said plate-like stationary die support andhaving an elongated cavity of the same cross-sectional shape throughoutits length in the side thereof opposite to said support and open at atleast one end; a movable die support at said one side of said stationarydie support; a second die connected to the side of said movable diesupport facing said one side of said stationary die support and having aportion receivable in the channel of said first die having a secondelongated cavity of the same cross-sectional shape throughout its lengthin the side thereof opposite to said movable support; a movable memberat the side of said stationary die support opposite to said one sidethereof; a plurality of first members fixedly connected to said movabledie support and said movable member and extending through and slidablyengaging said stationary die support; a second member fixed to saidstationary die support and engaged by said movable member for guidingsaid movable member; a' toggle mechanism including pivoted linksconnected to said stationary die support and to said movable member formoving said movable die support to and from a position adjacent to saidstationary die support and in which said cavities in said dies form atubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; fluid pressureactuated mechanism for operating said toggle mechanism; a ram conformingto the crosssectional shape of said aperture formed by said first andsecond dies when closed; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.

4. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the likehaving: a cabinet-like base; a plate-like stationary die supportdetachably and exclusively carried by said base; a channel-shaped firstdie exclusively carried by said stationary die support at one side ofsaid stationary die support and having an elongated cavity of uniformcross-sectional shape in the side thereof opposite to said support andopening into one end of said die; a movable die support at said one sideof said stationary die support; a second die exclusively carried by saidmovable die support at the side of said movable die support facing saidone side of said stationary die support and having a portion receivablein the channel of said first die and a cavity of uniform cross-sectionalshape in the side thereof opposite to said movable die support; amovable member at the side of said stationary die support opposite tosaid one side thereof; a plurality of first members extending throughand slidably engaging said stationary die support and fixedly connectedto said movable die'support and said movable member; a second memberfixed to said stationary die support and engaged by said movable memberfor guid ing said movable member; toggle mechanism including pivotedlinks connected to said stationary die support and to said movablemember for moving said movable die support to and from a positionadjacent to said stationary die support and in which said cavities insaid dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape;fluid pressure actuated mechanism for operating said toggle mechanism; aram conforming to the crosssectional shape of said aperture formed bysaid first and second dies when closed; fluid pressure actuatedmechanism connected to said stationary die support for reciprocatingsaid ram said movable die support, said movable member, said first andsecond members, said toggle mechanism, said-ram and said fluid pressureactuated mechanisms being exclusively carried by said stationary diesupport, and means for detachably connecting said fluid pressureactuated mechanism to and from a source of fluid pressure.

5. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the likehaving: a stationary die support; a first die connected to one side ofsaid stationary die support with a channel in the side thereof oppositeto said sup port and having a cavity of uniform cross-sectional shape inthe side thereof opposite to said support opening into one end of saiddie and extending the full width of the bottom of the channel; a movablesaid movable support at said one side of said stationary die support; asecond die connected to the side of said movable die support facing saidone side of said fixed die support and having a portion receivable inthe channel of said first die with a small clearance thereabout andhaving a second cavity of uniform cross-sectional shape and extendingthe full width thereof in the side thereof opposite to said movablesupport; a movable member at the side of said stationary die supportopposite to said tionary die support and in which said cavities in saiddies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a ramconforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by saidfirst and second dies when closed; and mechanism for reciprocating saidram.

6. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the likehaving: a base; a stationary die support detachably connected to saidbase; a channel-shaped first die connected to one side of saidstationary die support and having a cavity of uniform cross-sectionalshape in the side thereof opposite to said support opening into one endof said die; a movable die support at said one side of said stationarydie support, a second die connected to the side of said movable diesupport facing said one side of said fixed die support and having aportion receivable in the channel of said first die with a smallclearance thereabout and having a second cavity of uniformcross-sectional shape in the side thereof opposite to said movablesupport; a movable member a he side of said stationary die supportopposite to said one side thereof; a member extending through saidstationary die support and fixedly connected to said movable die supportand said movable member; toggle mechanism connected to said stationarydie support and to said movable member for moving said movable diesupport to and from a position adjacent to said stationary die supportand in which said cavities in said dies form a tubular aperture ofuniform cross-sectional shape; a hydraulic motor carried ,by saidstationary die support for operating said toggle mechanism; a ramconforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by saidfirst and second dies when closed; and mechanism connected to saidstationary die support for reciprocating said ram.

r r r= Egygi UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTIQIIPatent No. 3, 683,797 Dated At lgust 15, 1972 I LOUIS A. BETTCHER It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Colume 9, line 31, "said movable" should Signed and sealed this 6th dayof February 1975.

(SEAL) Attest: V

EDWARD W. FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTS CHA LK Attesting OfficerCommissioneroof Patents

1. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the likehaving: a cabinet-like base; a stationary die support exclusivelycarried by and detachably connected to said base; a channel-shaped firstdie exclusively carried by said stationary die support and having anelongated cavity of the same crosssectional shape throughout its lengthin the side thereof opposite to said support and open at at least oneend; a movable die support exclusively carried by said stationary diesupport; a second die exclusively carried by said movable die supportand having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die havinga second elongated cavity of the same cross-sectional shape throughoutits length; a ram conforming to the crosssectional shape of said tubularaperture formed by said first and second dies when closed; fluidpressure actuated mechanism exclusively carried by said stationary diesupport for reciprocating said ram; and means for detachably connectingsaid fluid pressure actuated mechanisms to and from a source of fluidpressure.
 2. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat orthe like having: a stationary die support; a first die connected to saidstationary support and having a channel in one side thereof and a cavityof uniform cross-sectional shape in the bottom of the channel openinginto one end of said die and extending the full width of the bottom ofthe channel; a movable die support; a second die connected to saidmovable die support and having a portion receivable in the channel ofsaid first die with a small clearance thereabout and having a secondcavity of uniform cross-sectional shape in the side thereof opposite tosaid one side of said first die and extending the full width thereof;toggle mechanism for moving said second die to and from a positionadjacent to said first die and in which said cavities in said dies forma tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; a ram conforming tothe cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first andsecond dies when closed; and mechanism for reciprocating said ram.
 3. Apress for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having:a plate-like stationary die support; a channel-shaped first dieconnected to one side of said plate-like stationary die support andhaving an elongated cavity of the same cross-sectional shape throughoutits length in the side thereof opposite to said support and open at atleast one end; a movable die support at said one side of said stationarydie support; a second die connected to the side of said movable diesupport facing said one side of said stationary die support and having aportion receivable in the channel of said first die having a secondelongated cavity of the same cross-sectional shape throughout its lengthin the side thereof opposite to said movable support; a movable memberat the side of said stationary die support opposite to said one sidethereof; a plurality of first members fixedly connected to said movabledie support and said movable member and extending through and slidablyengaging said stationary die support; a second member fixed to saidstationary die support and engaged by said movable member for guidingsaid movable member; a toggle mechanism including pivoted linksconnected to said stationary die support and to said movable member formoving said movable die support to and from a position adjacent to saidstationary die support and in which said cavities in said dies form atubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; fluid pressureactuated mechanism for operating said toggle mechanism; a ram conformingto the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first andsecond dies when closed; and mechanism for rEciprocating said ram.
 4. Apress for shaping comestible products, such as meat or the like having:a cabinet-like base; a plate-like stationary die support detachably andexclusively carried by said base; a channel-shaped first die exclusivelycarried by said stationary die support at one side of said stationarydie support and having an elongated cavity of uniform cross-sectionalshape in the side thereof opposite to said support and opening into oneend of said die; a movable die support at said one side of saidstationary die support; a second die exclusively carried by said movabledie support at the side of said movable die support facing said one sideof said stationary die support and having a portion receivable in thechannel of said first die and a cavity of uniform cross-sectional shapein the side thereof opposite to said movable die support; a movablemember at the side of said stationary die support opposite to said oneside thereof; a plurality of first members extending through andslidably engaging said stationary die support and fixedly connected tosaid movable die support and said movable member; a second member fixedto said stationary die support and engaged by said movable member forguiding said movable member; toggle mechanism including pivoted linksconnected to said stationary die support and to said movable member formoving said movable die support to and from a position adjacent to saidstationary die support and in which said cavities in said dies form atubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; fluid pressureactuated mechanism for operating said toggle mechanism; a ram conformingto the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by said first andsecond dies when closed; fluid pressure actuated mechanism connected tosaid stationary die support for reciprocating said ram ; said movabledie support, said movable member, said first and second members, saidtoggle mechanism, said ram and said fluid pressure actuated mechanismsbeing exclusively carried by said stationary die support, and means fordetachably connecting said fluid pressure actuated mechanism to and froma source of fluid pressure.
 5. A press for shaping comestible products,such as meat or the like having: a stationary die support; a first dieconnected to one side of said stationary die support with a channel inthe side thereof opposite to said support and having a cavity of uniformcross-sectional shape in the side thereof opposite to said supportopening into one end of said die and extending the full width of thebottom of the channel; a movable said movable support at said one sideof said stationary die support; a second die connected to the side ofsaid movable die support facing said one side of said fixed die supportand having a portion receivable in the channel of said first die with asmall clearance thereabout and having a second cavity of uniformcross-sectional shape and extending the full width thereof in the sidethereof opposite to said movable support; a movable member at the sideof said stationary die support opposite to said one side thereof; amember extending through said stationary die support and fixedlyconnected to said movable die support and said movable member; togglemechanism connected to said stationary die support and to said movablemember for moving said movable die support to and from a positionadjacent to said stationary die support and in which said cavities insaid dies form a tubular aperture of uniform cross-sectional shape; aram conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed bysaid first and second dies when closed; and mechanism for reciprocatingsaid ram.
 6. A press for shaping comestible products, such as meat orthe like having: a base; a stationary die support detachably connectedto said base; a channel-shaped first die connected to one side of saidstationary die support and having a cavity of uniform cross-sectionalshape in the side thereof opposite to said support opening into one endof sAid die; a movable die support at said one side of said stationarydie support, a second die connected to the side of said movable diesupport facing said one side of said fixed die support and having aportion receivable in the channel of said first die with a smallclearance thereabout and having a second cavity of uniformcross-sectional shape in the side thereof opposite to said movablesupport; a movable member at the side of said stationary die supportopposite to said one side thereof; a member extending through saidstationary die support and fixedly connected to said movable die supportand said movable member; toggle mechanism connected to said stationarydie support and to said movable member for moving said movable diesupport to and from a position adjacent to said stationary die supportand in which said cavities in said dies form a tubular aperture ofuniform cross-sectional shape; a hydraulic motor carried by saidstationary die support for operating said toggle mechanism; a ramconforming to the cross-sectional shape of said aperture formed by saidfirst and second dies when closed; and mechanism connected to saidstationary die support for reciprocating said ram.